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My first 'budget' greenhouse

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by Kipper, Sep 26, 2016.

  1. Sep 26, 2016 #1
    Kipper

    Kipper CoffeeCoffeeCoffee... Supporting Member

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    pic1.jpg pic 4.jpg pic 5.jpg pic 6.jpg pic 7.jpg pic 8.jpg I finished my first greenhouse about 10 weeks ago and will post some pics for anyone who would like to have a greenhouse but doesn't have a lot to spend. Total with fan, humidifier, AC unit was less than 550.00. I started with an Abba patio greenhouse kit from Amazon, 6' x 8', for 169.00. I got a small Honeywell cool mist humidifier from Amazon for about 30.00, A 15' industrial fan for about 20.00, a Frigidaire 5000 BTU window unit from Lowes for 129.00. Built a base out of 2x12 treated lumber to stabilize and raise the greenhouse 12 inches. I also purchased a Zoo-Med HygroTherm humidity and temperature controller for 50.00. The humidifier is rarely on in fact the Window unit is essential in decreasing the RH in the space. RH is fairly constant at 83 to 87%. So far I am extremely happy with the results. I am sure winter will present new challenges. I am working on ways to introduce fresh air during the winter when the outside temps are lower than I want to introduce into the space. If anyone has any suggestions they would be welcome.
     
  2. Sep 26, 2016 #2
    DPfarr

    DPfarr Well-Known Member

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    Very good! The winter, he approaches.
     
    Kipper likes this.
  3. Sep 26, 2016 #3
    CoveLady

    CoveLady Active Member

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    As I come from the wild and wooly north, my first thought was DO you get snow in Ft. Worth, I am not sure where it is. The roof hatch looks like it might open up if much weight is put on it. It is a sweet little solution to growing and looks very nicely appointed already. Hope you have many enjoyable times in there with your plants, I am happiest when in the greenhouse puttering and fussing. Happy Growing.
     
  4. Sep 26, 2016 #4
    Kipper

    Kipper CoffeeCoffeeCoffee... Supporting Member

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    We get a little snow every couple of years. We get a lot more ice! Snow is usually gone within a day or two. The ice can stay a while! I am actually in zone 8 so winters are not too bad. Although if it is below 50 I really don't like it! Where in the north? I do not believe anyone should live north of the Texas Oklahoma border!
     
  5. Sep 26, 2016 #5
    RadioFreeKirkwood

    RadioFreeKirkwood chloroplast envy Supporting Member

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    I wouldn't worry too much about introducing fresh air during the winter, I think you'll become all too familiar with where the fresh air comes from in January. That said, I have had good luck with the oil-filled radiator-style electric space heaters in an on-the-cheap hobby house. The heat is indirect and with a fan or two going it disperses well without being too drying or blasting super hot air in only one spot. I've had one in 70+% humidity for 2 years without any issues.
     
  6. Sep 27, 2016 #6
    Kipper

    Kipper CoffeeCoffeeCoffee... Supporting Member

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    Thanks guys, and I will check out the oil filled heaters. It's that time.
     
  7. Sep 27, 2016 #7
    CoveLady

    CoveLady Active Member

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    I thought I would share how I delt with snow and ice on my hoop house. I would stop the air blower that put air between the layers of film and then raise the heat so that it would cause the ice or snow right against the polyfilm would melt and the whole layer would gradually slide off of the structure. Made quite a noise when the ice slid but the structure was free of the added weight and the support bows did not bend and fall in. Hope to keep hearing how the unit is working and developing, keep the posts coming.
     
  8. Sep 27, 2016 #8
    Mikhail kujawa

    Mikhail kujawa Well-Known Member

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    I live in Colorado. I've had no problem with snow on the roof. I just keep the green house at 43 F and the snow melts and slides off before it can get too heavy. The snow is also an excellent insulator.
     
  9. Sep 29, 2016 #9
    naoki

    naoki Well-Known Member

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    Very nice! Does 5000btu AC handle the heat in TX?
     
  10. Sep 29, 2016 #10
    Kipper

    Kipper CoffeeCoffeeCoffee... Supporting Member

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    Very nicely, stayed a lovely 80 to 85 all through July and August.
     
  11. Oct 22, 2016 #11
    acendana114

    acendana114 Member

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    Hello everyone
     
  12. Mar 20, 2017 #12
    Wolf

    Wolf Member

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    The Begonia! It is a begonia right? lol